Benefits of erythropoietin

September 28, 2012
, Erwin Z , Comments Off on Benefits of erythropoietin

Benefits of erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a type of hormone from the glycoprotein family that is produced’Â in the kidney by cells called fibroblasts, and in the liver by peri-sinusoidal cells.’Â This hormone is also referred to as hemopoietin and is involved in controlling the’Â production of red blood cells. But aside from its primary role in red blood cell’Â production, erythropoietin also performs other functions like helping the absorption’Â of iron, and stimulation of vasoconstriction among many others. With these effects,’Â this hormone is used in a variety of medical cases as it provides the following
benefits:

1. Lower blood transfusion rates

For patients that constantly need extra blood from transfusions, erythropoietin is’Â used in some patients to lessen the number of times that blood is transfused into’Â their system. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for example, as much’Â as 50% less transfusions come as a result of erythropoietin.

Introduction of erythropoietin in patients with debilitating disease such as cancer’Â will also result to improvements in their quality of life. Many of these patients’Â suffer from the various symptoms of anemia like weakness and depression and by’Â stimulating the production of red blood cells through erythropoietin, many patients’Â will respond with better physical and mental health. Erythropoietin is also said to’Â help patients with cognition problems and so these patients will also have a better’Â understanding of their condition and treatment options.

3. Treatment for various conditions

Erythropoietin is also used to help people have better brain functioning by means of’Â maintaining the production of red blood cells at healthy levels. Those with conditions’Â like hypothermic circulatory arrest, brain ischemia, and even Parkinson’s disease can’Â benefit from treatment with erythropoietin.

As a therapeutic agent, erythropoietin serves a huge purpose for various patients’Â that suffer from anemia, cancer, and other neurological cases.’Â The medical’Â community is also in constant search of the other benefits of this hormone for a
variety of medical conditions.